Gifts Could Boost Brevard's Chances For Rail Stop

December 6, 1985|By Donna O'Neal of The Sentinel Staff

TITUSVILLE — The chairman of a state commission studying a high-speed rail system for Florida said Thursday that Brevard could boost its chances for a train stop if it donates land or other support services for the system.

''This is an important . . . consideration for those applicants looking at Brevard County as a stop,'' said David Blumberg, chairman of the year-old High Speed Rail Transportation Commission.

County Commission Chairman Thad Altman said later that Brevard officials are receptive to ''looking into the feasibility'' of donating land or providing utilities or a bus system to the rail stop.

The state commission and representatives of companies interested in designing the system heard county and state officials make a pitch for a Brevard terminal during a luncheon in Titusville Thursday.

Proponents of the stop believe tourism and industry attracted by the space shuttle and the county's beaches could support a link in the train route.

The number of potential riders is a critical factor in the decision, officials say. About 2 million visitors tour the Kennedy Space Center each year, and many of them also visit the Walt Disney World/Orlando area.

In a videotaped appeal from his Washington office, U.S. Rep. Bill Nelson, D-Melbourne, told the group that the imminent commercialization of outer space will draw a $60 billion support industry to the county by 2000.

Nelson said the potential for development along the space coast is ''so enormous it would seem a future transportation system would want to locate itself through that area.''

Bob Blanchette, president of The TGV Co. of Washington, designer of a system in France, said he was impressed with the county's presentation and its desire to be part of the rail network.

He said Brevard's chances ''are as good as anybody's,'' but it could have a leg up on other areas if it dedicates land or other services.

Formed by Gov. Bob Graham in 1984, the seven-member commission is charged with making route selections and overseeing financing and construction for the system.

It has tagged Brevard County as a possible stop along a three-point run between Orlando, Miami and the Tampa-St. Petersburg area.

However, the ultimate decision rests with the company that gets the franchise for the transportation system, said Nancy Houston, a county transportation planner.